Start planning your 2022 festive calendar with a helping hand from West Midlands Railway.
With Christmas just around the corner, this year’s festivities are set to be bigger than ever. There’s no time like the present (see what we did there?) to plan what to do, and where to go, to celebrate this festive period.
To spark some ideas, we have pulled together all of this year's must-see events, up and down its rail network. From whimsical winter wonderlands and Santa’s safari, to traditional pantomimes and sparkling light trails, these activities will ensure you can create magical memories with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year.
What’s more, travelling by train during the festive period can cut out the stressful journey, and even help save money so you can do more at your chosen destination. With simple travel and budget friendly train tickets, taking the train to your festive day out this year is a no brainer!
Christmas Events in Birmingham
On the third day of Christmas West Midlands Railway gave to me, four fantastic festive events to do in the heart of the second city (and of course a partridge in a pear tree). With all of the activities situated in the centre of the city, they are super easy to get to by train with Birmingham New Street being a five-minute walk, Birmingham Snow Hill a seven-minute walk and Birmingham Moor street an 11-minute walk.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- 4th November 2022 – 23rd December 2022 (free entry)
Also known as the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of central Europe, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a must-see location this festive season. Enjoy an evening soaking up the merry atmosphere underneath the twinkling lights of Birmingham, while the German band serenades the crowds with traditional tunes, and the smell of Bratwurst fills the air. Fröhliche Weihnachten!
Christmas Carol Singalong at the Symphony hall
- 23rd December 2022 (prices start from £14.50)
This family favourite event has been raising the roof of Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall for over 20 years and is described as a festive party for all the family. The concert includes a joyful mix of the very best Christmas songs we all know and love, plus seasonal classics with Jonathan Cohen and Louise Dearman. You’ll be left rocking around the Christmas tree with this performance’s electric atmosphere – no silent nights here! .
Elf the Pantomime Live - Resorts World
- 22nd December – 23rd December (prices start from £28)
Elf - A Christmas Spectacular is coming to Resorts World Arena this December! The lovable Buddy the Elf is set to star in the live arena spectacular, featuring Santa’s magically flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, an indoor snowstorm, aerial cirque stars, and giant TV screens so you don’t miss any of the spectacle. Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Factory website .
Luna Springs - Bad Santa Bottomless Brunch
- 26th November, 3rd December, 10th December, 17th December (£49 per person)
Get ready for a day of entertainment and outrageous games with a mass sing-along, bingo, and prizes from Santa Claus himself. Enjoy 90-minutes of bottomless bubbles, selected cocktails or beer, and a tasty brunch dish in this funky venue.
Where to stay in Birmingham
If you’re too tired from boogying the night away at the Christmas Market, or missed the last train home after a few too many steins of beer, here are a few central hotels in Birmingham that won’t break the bank:
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (New Street Station) hotel
- Birmingham City Centre EasyHotel
- Ibis Birmingham New Street Station
Christmas Events in Shrewsbury
From the moment you step out of its spellbinding station and glance up at its 18th century sandstone castle, you realise how magical Shrewsbury’s Medieval town centre truly is during the festive season.
Carols In The Square
- 14th December 2022 (free)
This year, Shrewsbury’s annual Christmas carol concert is set to be one to remember! Surrounded by Shrewsbury’s stunning array of historic listed buildings, you can join in (or simply listen) to the dulcet tones of iconic festive carols with your friends and family. Enjoy a mince pie and keep warm with a steaming cup of classic mulled wine whilst you take in the enchanting atmosphere – there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Nativity: The Musical
- 9th November - 13th November 2022 (prices start from £16)
Visiting the theatre is a traditional pastime during the festive period – and what better show to indulge yourself in than Nativity: The Musical, at the Theatre Severn Auditorium? Inspired by the popular film of the same name, this family-friendly, all-rounder show features the hit songs that you know and love, including She’s The Brightest Star. Did somebody say sing-along?
Christmas Events in Telford
Located in east Shropshire, Telford is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but don’t let that fool you! Telford is a town full of adventure and wonder, even housing its very own Wonderland at the heart of its public green space.
Winter Wonderland at Telford Town Park
- November – December 2022 (specific dates to be announced in October)
Located in Telford’s bewitching Wonderland Woodlands, fairy tale characters and magical storybook displays are waiting to be discovered. Wend your way through its mysterious hedge maze, wander through dinosaur valley, and take a trip to its very own Winter Wonderland Christmas village.
Telford Ice Rink
- 4th – 24th December 2022 (prices start from £8.25)
Is there anything more festive than donning your skates and venturing out onto the ice? Grab your winter coat, bobble hat, and knitted gloves, and prepare for a cool experience for all the family to get stuck into.
Christmas Events in Wolverhampton
Take a trip on over to this West Midlands location to officially kickstart your festive adventure. This bustling, vibrant student city has previously been named one of the best places to live in the UK, but did you know it is also a great destination to make festively fun memories with your loved ones?
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Production of Aladdin
- 3rd December 2022 – 7th January 2023 (prices start from £17.50)
If you love a trip to the theatre during the festive season, you are in luck. The majestic Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is hosting Aladdin this year! Featuring familiar faces such as Eastenders’ Beppe Di Marco, CBeebies favourite Ben Cajee, and fresh-faced local talent Jayd’n Tyrone, this production is not one to be missed! Let the show begin!
Christmas Events in Worcester
Best known for its magnificent cathedral and bustling student culture, Worcester is a historic town surrounded by naturally picturesque country parks and national trust sites - the ideal background to a jolly December day out.
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
- 1st-4th December 2022 (free)
If you love the traditional Christmastime stories of Charles Dickens and want to take a trip back in time to experience a true Victorian marketplace, boy do we have an event for you! Featuring over 200 stalls, festive live music, delicious street food, and live action characters roaming the pavements, this Worcester Victorian Fayre is truly an unmissable event this Christmas.
Winter Glow light trail
- 25th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023 (starting from £10.80)
This event is a true all-rounder. Skate on one of the region’s largest ice rinks, ride on the giant observation wheel, indulge yourself in the festive food quarter, take a whimsical journey around the illuminated light trail, and even meet the big man himself – Father Christmas! Don’t say we never treat you.
Santa Safari at West Midlands Safari Park
- 25th November – 24th December 2022 (prices start from £33)
Four miles of Winter safari awaits you as you embark on your journey to the West Midlands Safari Park. Spot wild animals from around the globe as you drive through the exciting safari, and then retreat to The North Pole, where you can visit Santa’s grotto to claim your festive gift from Father Christmas and his helpful elves.
Christmas Events in Hereford
Half-timbered houses and a golden cathedral greet you as you enter the gorgeous central England town of Hereford. Surrounded by the River Wye, this marvellous location is well known for its social scene – we’re talking restaurants, theatre, shopping, and eccentric attractions. When things get festive, we know where we would like to be…
The Grinch Live Show & Santa's Grotto
- 26th November – 24th December 2022 (£15 Children and Adults £12)
Take a trip to Hereford’s first theatre specifically catered towards children and families. In this spellbinding experience, excited children and parents alike can watch an entertaining short production, and then proceed to a meet and greet with the stars of the show! Get introduced to The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and Max the Dog – and don’t forget about Santa!
Festive Wreath Making Workshop
- 14th December 2022 (£80 includes all materials, refreshments and a delicious Castle House Festive Afternoon Tea)
You know the festive period has begun when you see wreaths dressing the front doors of your neighbourhood – but how would you like to make yours a little more special than the rest? This relaxing and enjoyable workshop, run by talented florists, allows you to create your very own Christmas wreath. What’s more, the experience is then followed by a luxuriously festive afternoon tea. Delightful!
Christmas Events in Redditch
Dating back to the 12th century, Redditch is a town rich in history and culture. With its unusual charms and quirky attractions, Redditch is a great location to visit during the festive period. Who knows what you may discover on your adventures...
Redditch Christmas light switch on
- 25th November – 27th November 2022 (free)
Indulge in foods from around the world as you watch the mesmerising Christmas lights illuminate the streets of Redditch. Take a stroll through the charming continental markets and peruse the entertainment square to find something that tickles your fancy.
Christmas Extravaganza Show
- 20th November 2022 (free)
This three-hour spectacular, aptly named “The Magic of Christmas in Redditch”, is the ultimate family friendly show to get yourself in the festive spirit. Featuring performances from well-known faces, including contestants from The Voice UK, and local talents from the Shaun Paul Smith Dance Academy, this show is the ideal start to your festive calendar of events.
Christmas Events in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming Tudor market town located in the Warwickshire countryside. With its romantic architecture and lively town-centre, once the festive period arrives, Stratford-Upon-Avon becomes a wonderous sight to see.
A Christmas Carol At The Royal Shakespeare Company
- 26th October 2022 – 1st January 2023 (prices start from £16)
When in Stratford, it would almost be a sin to not visit the Royal Shakespeare Company and witness one of its incredible productions. This Christmas, why not get into the festive spirit and choose one of the most iconic yuletide tales known to man – A Christmas Carol? Follow Ebeneezer Scrooge on his journey through the error of his tight-pocketed ways.
Victorian Christmas Market
- 8th December – 11th December 2022 (free)
Dispersed amongst the picturesque streets of Stratford, this award-winning Christmas market returns for its annual stint during December. Take a step back in time and stroll around the town, visiting the Victorian stalls complete with stall holders in full costume. With entertainment all around the town and a traditional funfair at the centre of the action, this event is a great day out for all of the family.
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at the Stratford Playhouse
- 16th December - 31st December 2022 (prices start from £14)
If dramatic theatre isn’t your forte, perhaps a more light-hearted pantomime might be of interest? This year, the Stratford Playhouse takes on its hilarious version of the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, with comical surprises and heart-warming moments sure to ensue. He’s behind you!
Book cheap train tickets
So, with tons of festive events all within a short distance from one of our handy network stations this winter, what’s not to love? Simply book it, train it, love it this Christmas with West Midlands Railway!